The 2017-18 Leadership Pensacola (LeaP) class made their annual trip to Tallahassee in February to hear from the state government officials and see the Florida Legislature in action.

On day one, the class heard from Florida Lt. Governor Carlos Lopez-Cantera, as well as representatives from the Attorney General’s office and from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The class then watched the Florida House of Representatives from the House gallery and was recognized by members of the Northwest Florida delegation. That evening, Florida House Speaker Richard Corcoran provided keynote remarks at the LeaP class dinner.

​The next day, members of the Northwest Florida delegation provided their perspectives on the 2018 legislative session and how the members of the LeaP class can become engaged in the political process. The class heard from State Representatives Mel Ponder, Clay Ingram, and Frank White as well as State Senators Doug Broxson and George Gainer. We appreciate our elected officials taking time out of their busy schedules to address the LeaP class.

​The class also received an overview of the legislative priorities of the Florida Chamber of Commerce from Joshua Gabel, Director of Grassroots Development and Engagement at the Florida Chamber. Gabel provided useful data about Florida’s future growth and how the business community needs to prepare for this growth.